Is vaccinating goats necessary?

We vaccinate our herd for CD/T.

There are many arguments for it, and some that would argue against it. You will find many articles related to vaccination on the internet. The information below is excerpted from an article published by North Carolina State University.The complete article, with expanded details about disease symptomology, administering and handling vaccine is found here:

We DO NOT vaccinate for CL, nor will we add CL vaccinated goats to our herd.

Some breeders will vaccinate for CL when it appears in their herd. A goat vaccinated for CL will always show positive, so the results are inconclusive. We are adamant about having a tested disease-free herd - we want to see clear negatives. We will not vaccinate for CL, because we do not want our results masked.

What is overeating disease (enterotoxemia)?

Overeating disease is also known as enterotoxemia. It is an acute and often fatal disease affecting goats of all ages. The disease tends to be more deadly in young kids, and often in those which are the heaviest or fastest gaining. Overeating disease is caused by the bacteria Clostridium perfringens types C and D. These bacteria are commonly found in the soil, and are also present in the intestines of most normal goats.

The deadly action of these clostridial bacterial organisms is related to the bacteria's ability to produce toxins which cause shock and nervous symptoms (type D), or that cause inflammation of the lining of the gut and diarrhea with blood (type C).

Under appropriate conditions, the clostridial bacteria in the gut rapidly grow to high levels and produce and release their deadly toxins. Most conditions favoring clostridial bacterial growth are related to access to a grain or rich feed, especially when the animal is not accustomed to the feed. Sudden access to grain or a richer diet or any dietary changes, especially to a richer diet, favors clostridial bacterial growth in the intestines. Changes in feeding programs must be gradual, with a week or two or more allowed for a change from one type of feed to another.

It is also important to avoid over-consumption by kids, for example, after they have become excessively hungry.

What is tetanus?

Tetanus is a neurological disease caused by a toxin which is produced by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. This organism is very common in soil and in the manure of animals. Bacterial spores enter the body through wounds following castration, ear tagging, disbudding, kidding, etc., resulting in signs of the disease 4 to 21 days later. The toxin affects the central nervous system.

When do we vaccinate?

Bucks: Once a year

Breeding females.: Vaccination is scheduled so that pregnant does receive their annual booster 2 to 6 weeks before kidding. By vaccinating does in late pregnancy, some immunity will be passed on to the kids through the colostrum.

Kids.: Kids are vaccinated at 4-6 weeks of age, followed by a booster at 8-10 weeks of age.

What is our vaccination protocol?

We use new syringes and needles for each vaccination. We vaccinate sub-cutaneously. Our preferred vaccination site is in the armpit , and the injection site is noted on the animals health record.

Is there a slaughter withdrawal time?

Yes, there is usually a 21 day waiting period between vaccination and slaughter/sacrifice for these vaccines. If you desire an animal that has not been vaccinated, please contact us early in the kidding season so that we might accomodate your request.